There is no better way to spend summer in Chicago, than with a delicious ice cream cone to keep you cool in the heat. Great ice cream and custard shops can be found all around the city and offer a variety of different spins on flavors and creations. From scoops to sundaes, these places will be sure to cool you off and sweeten up your summer!


#5 Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, 830 N Michigan Ave.
Located in downtown Chicago’s Gold Coast, Ghirardelli is the place to go for great ice cream sundaes. Since they specialize in chocolate, their massive sundaes come topped with rich hot fudge or any other topping you may choose. The traditional banana split is a favorite and with outdoor seating, this shop makes for the perfect afternoon treat.

#4 Scooter’s Frozen Custard, 1658 W. Belmont Street
Scooter’s specializes in thick custard with a wide variety of toppings and mix-ins that can be added to your creation. They serve very few flavors, but the quality of the custard is worth it. And of course, they always have the classics: chocolate and vanilla. This place is great for people who love to put candy on their ice cream. Located in Roscoe Village neighborhood, make sure to stop by Scooter’s for a cost effective scoop of custard.

#3 Lickity Split Frozen Custard, 6056 N. Broadway Ave.
Another great frozen custard shop is Lickity Split located on the northside in the Edgewater neighborhood. Lickity Split offers delicious custard and toppings. They are also famous for their Crazy Cake Concrete, which is a cupcake of your choice mixed with custard for an amazing and unique treat. If you are looking for something a little different Lickity Split is the place to go.

#2 Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, 3404 N. Southport Ave., with multiple locations
While Jeni’s is more expensive for a smaller serving size, the flavors offered are absolutely incredible and hard not to enjoy. They have multiple locations including one near the Southport brown line. Some of their delectable flavors include, Brambleberry Crisp and Brown Butter Almond Brittle. Make sure to stop by Jeni’s this summer to try a flavor you have definitely never had before.

#1 Margie’s Ice Cream and Candies, 1813 W. Montrose Ave. and 1960 N. Western Ave.
Margie’s Ice Cream has two famous locations, the original in Bucktown and a more recent one in North Center neighborhood. A Chicago classic, Margie’s has been around since 1921. They serve your favorite ice cream flavors in huge sundae creations with house made hot fudge, caramel, butterscotch, or marshmallow. This spot has a vintage and cozy atmosphere with incredible ice cream creations and must be visited this summer at least ten times.

With so many amazing options, there is sure to be an ice cream or custard shop best suited for you. Hopefully, this list helps and gives you a treat to cool off with as school comes to an end and a warm summer sets in.